Penbook User Reviews

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  • Full screen! Gorgeous FULL SCREEN!

    This app has the ONE thing all the other “main” note taking apps refuse to give us: full screen. And that makes ALL the difference. Not having other buttons or UI to distract you makes the experience of using Penbook a delight. It just feels like I’m using a real note to just scribble, take notes, draw, etc. it just feels so natural and nice. The gestures are also incredible intuitive. Part of me wants to hate this app since I already spent money and time in others but there is nothing not to like on Penbook. Well, maybe one thing, the library could do with some improving but I’m pretty sure that’s coming in future updates.
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  • Change of review

    I really want to apologize to previous review stating there was no way to resize pictures uploaded to pages. I found the pdf with instructions and yes pictures can be resized. What also said in previous review was I really really hate subscription models and have been actively looking for replacement apps for many apps I use that have gone that way. In this case I appreciate you include a lifetime purchase and think Penbook is super special and well worth it :) So fun and customizable with great tools, paper, stickers and really every ability to let freak flag fly!
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  • Wasn’t expecting much but I was blown away

    I’m amazed at all the features and capabilities this app has. The developers did it right with this one. As someone who has tried so many different complicated journal, planner, and calendar apps this one combines all three with such a simple interface it was not hard to get the hang of quickly but if someone isn’t tech savvy they also included a very useful beginner’s guide. They have stickers and washy tape and notes you can use and I hope they’ll add more in the future. For what the app costs for a year it’s more than worth it. Speaking from experience I’ve paid double for mediocre interface with so many bells and whistles but didn’t have a stable base making it unusable. I would recommend you give this app a try you won’t be disappointed.
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  • engineering student

    i came to your app as an engineering student looking for a good digital engineering paper option. I like the paper options that you put out and the page options that you offer. Your pen support is flawless and my page exports look amazing. i have a few suggestions that would make this app top notch. 1. ability to save favorite notebook styles for the book creation and delete defaults(i only want one type of engineering paper and your pre made books are just clutter. i also don’t want a whole paper package just one. it is irritating to find the engineering paper i want and then have to delete 5 or 6 pages every time i create a notebook. 2. notebook folders or library management, or the ability to select individual pages of a book for pdf export. i need one book per homework assignment with the current setup. 3. Basic shape drawing capability 4. ability to re-size selections 5. in app ability to crop imported pictures 6. ability to edit text or date or page number on engineering header pages and have header carry to additional pages (option at new page creation) 7. 8.5x11 sizing for pages so i can create the same size page if i’m on my phone or on my ipad in any orientation.
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  • I cannot express how much I love this app.

    Older college student who has been struggling to convert from handwritten to digital notes. This app is a total game changer. My handwriting actually even looks better on here than real life and I no longer have to carry notebook after notebook between classes, everything is nice and neat in its own digital notebook. I’ve used a couple of different apps but this one tops the list for me.
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  • Upgrade

    I love this app, it's amazing but there are some suggestions I want to share from user/student point of view. First when I add a new page I have to make each page header so it takes time rather than just adding the same page I customized. Second, the pen colors are static colors, we can't change and add our own colors (the colors in the tool palette that pop up when the pen is double pressed). Finally there should be an option if you want your hand to draw on the paper (the screen) or the pen to only be able to draw without the hand (hope you understand my last point). That's it :) Thank you very much.;)
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  • Amazing! ...just one thing

    This is a great app (without buying the whole thing). My biggest issue with it is zooming in, it can be quite difficult, and zooming out you can only have it zoomed out to one setting, you can't have it zoomed out to your person preference. Other than that it is an amazing app, for planning, sketching, notes, homework, designing and much more! Also the amount of page options is insane, you can choose from lined paper to paper for writing music. Literally every type of setup for your paper. You also get washi tape and stickers to work with which is amazing for bullet journaling! Love this app so much!
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  • So Awesome

    I think this is the first review I've ever left of an app. I bought an ipad because I am realizing that as MUCH as I LOVE paper, I am going to need to adapt, especially with travel. I was drawn to good notes, One note and others - on a constant trial running each through their paces for what feels like weeks! I must say, however, nothing can compatre to Penbook. Sure its far from perfect, nothing is, BUT the team is constantly bringing out new features! The interface is simple, elegant, and the closest thing to writing on paper as possible. It syncs, sure... it's not perfect on a phone or mac, but it shouldn't be. The iPad is where it shines. Dang... thank you for helping me transition and maintain my analog side in a quickly transitioning digital world!!
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  • Great option for digital planning and note taking

    PROS
    - great tools
    - syncs with my iPad’s calendar
    - I can create multiple notebooks for different purposes
    - they are constantly updating and adding new features

    CONS
    - cover design is very limited. I would love to have the option to design my own covers or even to customize the font and placement of the book titles.
    - you can only handwrite on the pages unless you use their “sticky note” feature. I would love the ability to handwrite and/or type directly on the pages, for design purposes. For instance being able to add a typed text box for the title of the page or to add a label, but handwrite everything else!

    Overall a great app, I am excited for future updates and improvements!
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  • Good app, but with flaws.

    I searched through many different note taking apps and settled on this one. I like it overall and purchased the full version (had the $ to spare), with hopes that the current features are expanded upon & the issues fixed.

    Pros:
    Aesthetically pleasing
    Simplistic drawing mechanics
    Countless page options available
    Decent pen color options

    Cons:
    - shrinking any of the “avocado toast” pics freezes the app. Considering the full version price paid, it’s not a decent sign to see bugs unfixed.
    - the drawing mechanic, when zoomed in, acts a bit wonky & a bit spotty. This doesn’t happen on the good notes, but I chose the aesthetics of the app over GN’s.
    - (personal) I wish there was a way to only show the notebooks I created in a bookshelf-like way & not have to stare at the “featured books” that you can add. That would be a pretty neat look.

    Overall:
    Like I said, I chose this app over the others, because of the aesthetic look and easy maneuverability through the features. While I am glad I bought it, I really hope things are expanded upon. If so, I’ll update my review.

    If not, I’ll move on & accept my regret. Either way, I’ll enjoy the app.
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